The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-03-17

The following circular, issue d by
J. H. Brigham, Master of Ohio State
Grange, 2. of H., we publish by re.
quest. ...
Patrons Of Husb,ndry, Attention. /
Questions of grave Importance TO
farmers are being discussed and agi-
tated by our fellow citizens. They Will
be pressed upon our law makers, and |
! legislation will be demanded. Are the |
farmers iully prepared to protect their
Interests Certainly not; nor can
they be until thoroughly organized,
No better plan of organization than
the Grange has yet been DEVISED nor
is it likely there will be. Our duty, |
then is plain. We must go out among |
tire farmers and urge them to unite |
with us in the grand work of protect
ing the interests of agriculture. The
officers of the State Grange will labor
earnestly to revive interest in the work
of our order. With your active CO Op-
Grafton there is no such word as fail''
The revival must come. Without such
active assistance on your part, very
little progress can be made. You, of
course realize the Importance of or
gauizing. tut many of your associate
farmers do not. You must arouse them
|
us. The scheme to place the entire
burden of taxation upon the owners of
the soil is not one to be idly dismissed.
, Thousands of converts have been made
: in the past few months, and the work
of proselyting is being earnestly push
ed by organized power. The argu-
ments offered in support of this scheme
are not SO easily retuted as many sup
+; pose. The unrest and dissatisfaction
that exist TO an alarming extent
among the wage workers will not es-
cape the attention of the shrewd men
: who are leading this sO-called reform.
D The hope of bettering their condition
. will iuduce many to fall into the ranks
and eager y accept the theories of the
l reformers Convince your neigh
. bors OF the utter folly and hopeless
ness Of trying to cope with organized
. forces, with an unOrganiZed mass,
:, without discipline or drill.
y We have secured some protection
Il from the manufacture of counterfeit
>, butter, we have ALMOST secured legis-
n lation that will protect US from the
:, unjust discrimination of the great
- transportation lines. We also may
u expect soon to see Secretary of A Agri
n culture, whose duty it will be to coun.
70 sci and advise the Chief Executive o
the Nation in all matters pertaining
e to this great interest. We can, if we
y will, secure protection rom the fraud.
J. pTacticed under our present paten
, laws. We can, if We will, secure 1
IN more honest aud economical admins
~ tration of public affairs. We can, i
NJ we will, protect the farmers from the
d eX'ortions sometimes practiced 10y
10 professional men, aud those who hav,
com biped to take advantage of on
| 4, al al h..
le We cannot retain tive protection W,
lr now have, and secure that which il
" our due, unless We organize and MAKE
available our power. Political dema
gogues have made "cst's paws" of tn,
ot "plain, honest farmer" altogether to,
1t long. We must not neglect the pillow
ye but we must acquire more skill in In,
:. use of that weapon of wondrUus powe
10 the FREEMAN's BALLOT.
y Let our wstchword be, "put none
le but honest, capable, SOBER, ecOnom
\. ical men in official position. Let III
demand u talr share of tue representa-
ton i'll the Legislature and congress
Sc for the men who are directly interest
ID ed in the nations greatest industry
a. In representative government, TIM
, interests not directly represented al
ways have and always will suffer. NJ
Dr. one but fool or knave will deny this
8. Shall past 70 lies be repeated and cun
i, tinued? Shall We not act upOu tn,
theory that the lord helps thOs'
's who help themseives.' There is u,
m slISdow of excuse for us. We can pro
~ tect our every interest, and if we ar
,o not manly enough To do it, then W,
deserve to suffer. If we are determin
Al Ell to give more attention to our owl
70 interests in the future, the first stI
| Ia IN